Team News
Ricardo Rocha begins his three game ban after his red card at Reading but Liam Lawrence will be risked despite suffering a reaction to his knee injury during the week.
Preston manager Phil Brown will assess defender Leon Cort before the game but both Leon Clarke and Chris Martin are both looking to get back into the side now they're nearly at full fitness.
The Match
Any hopes of promotion were dashed at Reading last week so this game is more about Preston's unlikely fightback that may see them escape the drop if manager Phil Brown can produce a minor miracle.
North End's hopes of completing a "great escape" took a hit after they also lost their last game at the Madejski Stadium following a run of three straight wins but they are sure to come out and attack from the start knowing that a draw won't be enough tomorrow.
The only points of interest that this game is likely to provide is how our defence copes with the absence of Rocha and how David Nugent plays against his former club.
Aaron Mokoena is expected to replace Rocha at centre back so it'll be interesting to see how he works with Halford, whilst Nugent was worshipped up at Deepdale but had an absolute mare against his former club in August and will be looking to make amends.
Although finishing in the top six is highly unprobable, we should still reflect on what has been a good season despite all the problems we have faced. So, we should kick back in the sunshine, enjoy ourselves and hopefully we'll see a good game of football tomorrow.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Pompey
GK: Jamie ASHDOWN
RB: Ritchie DE LAET
CB: Aaron MOKOENA
CB: Greg HALFORD
LB: Hermann HREIDARSSON
DM: Hayden MULLINS
DM: Jonathan HOGG
RM: David COTTERILL
CM: Liam LAWRENCE
LM: David NUGENT
CF: Dave KITSON
Preston
GK: Iain TURNER
RB: Billy JONES
CB: Bongani KHUMALO
CB: Craig MORGAN
LB: Ricardo GARDNER
RM: Eddie JOHNSON
CM: Darren CARTER
CM: Ian ASHBEE
CM: Barry NICHOLSON
LM: Keith TREACY
CF: Iain HUME
Last Time: Portsmouth 3 Preston North End 2 (Division One - 29/10/2002)
Craig Brown's men took an early lead through Richard Cresswell but Pompey came storming back as Steve Stone slid in an equaliser, Merson scored from the spot and Taylor chipped 'keeper David Lucas within 12 minutes.
Graham Alexander pulled one back for Preston when he scored a penalty early in the second half but Pompey held on for the win.
My Prediction
Pompey are without Rocha whilst Hume is in excellent form for the visitors so I expect them to score but I think we may play a more attacking style of football to take advantage of Preston's poor defence, resulting in victory.
Portsmouth 2 Preston North End 1